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Thursday, April 8, 2010

It was 85 degrees outside yesterday in Massachusetts. Yes, it's still April! Summer is coming, fighting with spring each day. I can't wait to get out to the beach with Eliana. Surprise, I am not actually a beach fan myself - but I love to see her face when she is playing with the waves and sand! We never had a sand play set last summer, she was only 6 months old. This summer on the other hand she will be digging through it and the Green Toys Sand Play Set that was sent to us for testing is just perfect for the occasion!

DESIGN: What a simple design this is. Just like toys should be. I can't help but notice the nautical vibe from the pail with the rope for a handle. Looks and functions a lot better than a plastic or metal handle in my opinion. I love that the colors are not screaming primaries. It's very subtle and will look beautiful at the ocean, the light blue, green, and orange. You'll find no excessive packaging here, just one piece of recycled cardboard holds everything together quite well.

The only thing I would change about the design, which really is just a preference, is the hollow underside of the shovel and rake. I wish it was covered with some plastic on that side, even though it is an unnecessary use of material. The way it is designed now, it is hard to get sand and dirt out of those small nooks with the criss cross plastic that is there to make it rigid and sturdy. If that was covered it would be a lot easier to clean.

QUALITY & VALUE: The set is extremely durable. I mean, I can sit on the pail and it will be just fine. I know you can't say that for every pail out there on the market, they are usually very flimsy and will only last one season - or even worse, one beach trip. This will last indefinitely unless someone breaks it intentionally! The plastic material is very thick and rigid, so there is no fear of it snapping when you are halfway finished with your castle :)

It is also well priced for an Eco-friendly toy - which tend to be more expensive for reasons I have yet to understand. The entire set will cost you anywhere from $15 to $20 depending on where you buy it. That's a small price to pay for some intense beach fun with your kids!

ENVIRONMENT: Here is where this Sand Play Set really stands apart from all others. Not only is it made in the USA (in California), it is made entirely from recycled milk jugs collected curbside. The plastic material is high-density polyethylene and it is one of the safest plastics around. This is one of those times I will not mind a plastic toy, especially that it is not from China. So if you live in California, this is as local and green as it will get! Though if you are from elsewhere, like me, they have enough to go around for all beach loving families coast to coast.

One Eco-Babyz reader will be a proud owner of the Green Toys Sand Play Set!

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

MANDATORY ENTRY: Go to the Green Toys website and tell us in a comment which other toy you would love to buy.